Breathing and exercise to help Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Official title: Comparison of the Effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises in Individuals With Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT07913503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding inspiratory muscle training or diaphragmatic breathing to a combined exercise program can help reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with GAD, compared with a breathing-based control using progressive muscle relaxation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 51 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Uskudar) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 20, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 20, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07913503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-65 with diagnosed GAD, stable pharmacologic treatment, and access to a smartphone/internet.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe cardiopulmonary disease, other primary psychiatric diagnoses, or conditions preventing exercise may not benefit from these interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a three-arm randomized trial in adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. All participants complete an eight-week, mixed aerobic and resistance exercise program; in addition, they are assigned to one of three breathing-related interventions: inspiratory muscle training, diaphragmatic breathing, or Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation. The interventions are delivered via a hybrid telerehabilitation format. The study aims to see whether the breathing approaches provide added benefit beyond the standard exercise program for anxiety and related health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater reductions in anxiety symptoms and improvements in physical health due to the combined exercise and breathing interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown breathing-based and exercise interventions can help anxiety, but this exact three-arm combination is relatively novel in GAD.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by a psychiatrist according to DSM-5 criteria. A score of 10 or higher on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Receiving clinically stable pharmacological treatment. Aged 18-65 years. No condition that prevents the use of a smartphone or access to the internet. Exclusion Criteria: Severe pulmonary diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\] or an asthma attack) or cardiac diseases (e.g., unstable angina). A primary psychiatric diagnosis other than generalized anxiety disorder. Orthopedic or neurological limitations that prevent exercise. Severe cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy. Substance use disorder. Recent abdominal or thoracic surgery.
Where it's running
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Sultan 2.Abdulhamid Khan Educational and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Uskudar, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nergis Yılmaz
- Email: nergis-yilmaz39@hotmail.com
- Phone: 05318549782
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.